In today’s beauty landscape, there’s a common misconception that high-end products are the epitome of quality and performance. However, the reality often reveals a different picture—one where drugstore products compete neck-and-neck with their luxury counterparts. With endless aisles of affordable makeup, finding the products that offer the best performance without burning a hole in your pocket can be overwhelming. But fear not! As a seasoned makeup artist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve discovered nine drugstore products that not only rival but often surpass high-end items.
1. **E.L.F. Power Grip Primer**: This primer is a game-changer in the realm of makeup longevity. Its viral-worthy stickiness, enhanced by aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, ensures your makeup stays put. Safe for sensitive skin, this primer creates a smooth canvas, prepping your skin for a day of flawless wear. It’s a must-have for anyone wanting to ensure their makeup stays put, come rain or shine.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz
Price: $10.00
Rating: 4.6 with 28,091 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
2. **Ardell Brow Glue**: When it comes to achieving that perfect brow hold, Ardell’s Brow Glue is second to none. Professional artists swear by it for taming even the most unruly brows. This vegan product, enriched with glycerin and panthenol, doesn’t just hold your brows in place—it keeps them soft, supple, and perfectly groomed all day long.
Product on Amazon: Ardell Brow Glue Instant Lamination Lift and Styling Tool, Eyebrow Gel – Long-Lasting Hold Brow Gel for Fluffy Defined Brows
Price: $6.29
Rating: 4.4 with 437 ratings
Brand: Ardell
3. **L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted serum**: A true multitasker, this tinted serum combines skincare benefits with makeup. Infused with 1% hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and blurs imperfections, offering a radiant glow. Perfect for those with normal to dry skin, it provides a lightweight, buildable coverage that doubles as sun protection.
Product on Amazon: L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation with 1% Hyaluronic acid, Light-Medium 3-4, 1 fl. oz.
Price: $19.46
Rating: 4.4 with 16,740 ratings
Brand: L’Oreal Paris
4. **Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer**: Known for its creamy, medium coverage, this concealer is a staple in any beauty routine. It effectively covers dark circles and blemishes while feeling lightweight. The inclusion of glycerin ensures a smooth application, making it a favorite among those seeking buildable coverage without the weight.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 120, 1 Count
Price: $8.78
Rating: 4.4 with 222,163 ratings
Brand: Maybelline
5. **NYX Buttermelt Blush**: For a pop of color that lasts, NYX’s Buttermelt Blush is unbeatable. With a smooth, buttery texture, it blends seamlessly into the skin, offering vibrant pigments that resist fading. Perfect for all skin tones, this blush provides a bold, yet budget-friendly option for achieving that coveted Sabrina Carpenter-inspired look.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint + SPF 30, Up To 12HR Wear, 02 Vanilla Bean Butta
Price: $15.97
Rating: 4.0 with 107 ratings
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
6. **Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara**: This mascara delivers dramatic volume and length, mimicking the effect of falsies. Its unique brush design ensures every lash is coated without clumps, making it a go-to for anyone wanting to enhance their natural lash line with ease.
Product on Amazon: essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
Price: $4.99
Rating: 4.3 with 386,154 ratings
Brand: essence
7. **ColourPop Nude Mood Eyeshadow Palette**: A staple for eyeshadow enthusiasts, this palette offers a range of warm, neutral tones that transition from day to night effortlessly. The formula’s pigmentation rivals more expensive brands, ensuring your eye looks are always on point without breaking the bank.
Product on Amazon: ColourPop Nude Mood Shadow Palette – Brown & Copper Palette with Metallic and Matte Finishes – High-Pigment Makeup with a Long-Wearing Formula
Price: $14.00
Rating: 4.2 with 336 ratings
Brand: ColourPop
8. **Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder**: Setting your makeup has never been more affordable and effective. This powder excels in keeping shine at bay and brightening the under-eye area. Its lightweight texture and mineral-based formula ensure a seamless finish that lasts throughout the day, keeping your makeup intact and flawless.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder, Face Powder and Finishing Makeup, Fair Light, 1 Count
Price: $8.98
Rating: 4.6 with 47,734 ratings
Brand: Maybelline
9. **Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick**: This lipstick offers the perfect combination of hydration and longevity. With a built-in primer and a range of shades, it stays put without drying out your lips, ensuring a transfer-proof pout that lasts from morning to night. Its vegan formulation means you’re getting quality without the compromise.
Each of these products stands as a testament to the fact that beauty doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With their impressive performance, these drugstore gems prove that sometimes, the best things really do come in affordable packages.
Product on Amazon: REVLON Lipstick, ColorStay Suede Ink, Built-in Primer, Infused with Vitamin E, Waterproof, Smudge-proof, Matte Color, 005 Hot Girl, 0.09 oz.
Price: $5.66
Rating: 4.3 with 8,085 ratings
Brand: REVLON
In a world where beauty options are endless, it’s empowering to know that drugstore gems like these exist. Each product highlighted here embodies quality and performance, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look and feel fabulous. As we continue to explore the beauty industry’s ever-evolving landscape, these affordable finds remind us of the power of accessible beauty, bringing confidence and creativity to everyone.
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